MANITOULIN ISLAND, ON – The Manitoulin Expositor reports that a new brewery is getting set to serve up its first beer on Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario later this month.

Manitoulin Brewing is being launched by local residents and long-time friends Blair Hagman and Nishin Meawasige. Brewing on a small system that produces roughly 190 litres per batch, the pair will be debuting Swing Bridge Blond Ale as the brewery’s flagship beer, which Hagman describes as follows:

“Swing Bridge Blond Ale is slightly bitter to start, but not strong. It is full bodied but has light feet and features a white foamy head with no strong aftertaste. We wanted to introduce a classic beer, a beer that everyone could appreciate and enjoy. The Swing Bridge is something that can be enjoyed on a hot festival day or after a day of ice fishing. We targeted the beer to be paired with what people do on Manitoulin.”

Swing Bridge will initially be launched exclusively at bars, restaurants and events on Manitoulin Island, with wider distribution including sales at select LCBO locations to follow in the fall. The brewery also plans to launch at least two other brands following the roll-out of Swing Bridge.